Alpgues Rundweg

Moderate
Alpenmosaik - Verwall
Einkehrmöglichkeit
Rundtour
Bergbahnauf-/-abstieg
Themenweg · Hiking · Alpine mosaic – Verwall · Alpine mosaic · Bergbahnauf-/-abstieg · Refreshment stops · Round trip · St. Gallenkirch
05:00 h duration
9,4 km Length in km
2318 m Highest point
1790 m Lowest point
705 m gain Ascent
705 m gain Descent
Stamina
Skill
Difficulty
Adventure
Scenery

Tour description

Crystal-clear mountain lakes, tranquil marshes, and sweeping views accompany you on this challenging loop hike through the diverse alpine mountain landscape of the Verwall European Nature Reserve.

The Alpgues Loop Trail takes you through a tranquil and diverse high-mountain landscape around the Upper and Lower Alpgues Lakes. Mountain lakes and small ponds, protected marshlands, and sparse larch forests characterize the landscape, while sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains open up time and again. With a little luck, you might spot marmots, chamois, or ibex along the way.

Covering approximately 120 km², the Verwall Natura 2000 site is Vorarlberg’s largest protected area. Rare and endangered species such as the rock ptarmigan, capercaillie, black grouse, hazel grouse, black woodpecker, and three-toed woodpecker find valuable habitats here. The sensitive raised bogs and their unique flora also make this landscape an impressive example of how closely nature experiences and nature conservation are intertwined.

What is the Montafon Alpine Mosaic?

The Montafon Alpine Mosaic showcases the scenic diversity of the Montafon. Four exploration areas—Verwall, Silvretta, Rätikon, and the valley—reveal how geology, nature, and the cultural landscape are intertwined.

Along 34 themed trails, you can discover the unique features of these diverse landscapes. Starting points, themes, and stories along the trails constantly offer you new perspectives on the Montafon.

So: Choose an exploration area, lace up your hiking boots, and discover the diversity of the Montafon step by step.

You can find more information about the Montafon Alpine Mosaic HERE.

Starting Point - Directions - End Point

Starting point
Upper station of the Grasjoch Cable Car

Directions
From the top station of the Grasjoch Cable Car, the trail first takes you along the Wormser Höhenweg toward Wormser Törl and Scheimersch. After a short climb, you’ll continue hiking below the Scheimersch along the scenic high-altitude trail until you reach the turnoff to the Alpguesseen lakes at around 2,320 meters.

From here, you’ll reach the Upper Alpguessee and continue on to the Lower Alpguessee. Along the way, you’ll pass small waterfalls and enjoy repeated, impressive views of the surrounding mountains.

From the Lower Alpguessee, you’ll descend about 260 meters in elevation to the Alpguesalpe at 1,720 meters, the lowest point of the hike. The trail then leads back to the Grasjochbahn mountain station with a moderate but steady climb.

A stop at the Grasjoch Hut, with a view of the Silvretta mountain range, provides the perfect conclusion to this tour.

End Point
Grasjochbahn mountain station

Getting to the starting point

Getting to the Starting Point
We recommend the Grasjoch Bahn mountain station as the starting point. Please note the Grasjoch Bahn’s operating hours.

By public transportation:
With the Montafon regional bus and the Montafonerbahn, you can travel comfortably and flexibly throughout the valley. The train and bus connect the towns regularly, every half hour or every hour depending on the route. You can find your appropriate connection HERE. Bus stop for the start/end of this tour: St. Gallenkirch Valisera Bahn

By car:
Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit. Then follow the Montafoner Straße L188 to St. Gallenkirch-Galgenul, where there is ample parking available at Silvretta Park.

Important Information

Important Notice for Summer 2026: Due to construction work on the new Freda Railway, the Alpgues Loop Trail will be temporarily closed. The trail is open on Sundays. While the trail is closed, you can hike the Alpgues Trail via Scheimersch to the Alpguesalpe and back. The alternate route is marked with the number 2a.

The Alpguesalpe is not staffed. The only place to stop for refreshments is at the Grasjoch Hut.

This challenging mountain hike requires good physical conditioning, sure-footedness, and appropriate gear. This includes sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, sun and rain protection, as well as sufficient provisions and drinking water. Depending on your needs, we also recommend telescoping trekking poles, a first-aid kit, a cell phone, a headlamp, a pocket knife, and maps.

Tips

Be sure to allow plenty of time for this hike. The lakes, marshes, and sweeping views along the way offer plenty of beautiful opportunities to take a break.

Be sure to check the operating hours of the Grasjoch Cable Car before your hike so you can plan your return trip to the valley accordingly.

For experienced mountain hikers, a detour to the summit of the Scheimersch is well worth it. This involves climbing an additional 200 meters in elevation, after which you’ll return via the same route. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are required.

You can find more information about the Verwall European Protected Area and its unique habitats HERE.

Sicherheitstipps für Wandern in Vorarlberg

EN NOTRUF:

EN 140 - Alpine Notfälle österreichweit 

EN 144 - Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg 

EN 112 - Euro-Notruf (funktioniert mit jedem Handy/Netz) 

Properties
Route type Themenweg, Hiking, Alpine mosaic – Verwall, Alpine mosaic, Bergbahnauf-/-abstieg, Refreshment stops, Round trip
Difficulty Moderate
Start Bergstation Grasjoch Bahn
Finish Bergstation Grasjoch Bahn
Elevation profile
Best months
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